FAQ

Appointments & Visiting the Shop

1. Do I need to book an appointment to visit the shop?

• No, not necessarily. However, booking an appointment ensures our team can prepare our stock and provide the best experience when shopping for a typewriter. Walk-ins are welcome during our regular hours, but we cannot guarantee we will be available at all unscheduled times.

2. Can I just walk in?

• Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling an appointment ahead of time is strongly recommended so we can dedicate our undivided attention to helping you find the right machine.

3. Do you have more typewriters for sale in the store than what's listed on the website?

• Our website features a curated selection of our available inventory, but visiting our workshop gives you the full experience and access to view our machines in person.

4. Why do I need to book an appointment?

• Booking an appointment helps us manage workshop capacity and ensures that a member of our team is fully prepared to assist you, test machines with you, and guide you through your purchase without wait times.

5. How do I find your shop if I visit?

• Our shop can be a little tricky to find since it is located inside a building filled with other studios. To find us, enter through the main door at 276 Carlaw Avenue, follow the hallway down the right side, go through the next door, walk straight down the hall, and you will find our door on the left-hand side.

 

General Inquiries & Policies

6. Are you open for in-store shopping?

• As of July 2025, we are open for in-store shopping by appointment and regular hours, located at 276 Carlaw Avenue, Unit 111.

7. Do you offer refunds if I don't like my typewriter?

• All sales are final. Typewriters are antique machines, and we encourage customers to test them at our workshop before purchase.

8. Do you offer typewriter rentals?

• Yes, we offer typewriter rentals for select machines for film/tv and corporate events. Unfortunately, we do not offer rentals for short-term personal use at this time.

9. Do you ship overseas?

• Yes, we do ship to various countries. Shipping costs vary depending on the destination; please contact us for specific requirements.

10. How much is shipping within Canada?

• Within Canada, shipping ranges from $7.99 for small packages (ribbons, parts, accessories) up to $39.99 for most portable typewriters. (Free shipping in Canada for orders over $600.00).

11. Do you offer payment plans?

• No, we do not currently offer payment plans, but we have machines listed for every budget on our website.

12. How long will a ribbon last?

• A ten-meter ribbon should last around 180,000 words and can often be used for 2 to 3 months on a regular basis.

13. Do ribbons come in different colors?

• Yes, we have black/red, black, purple, blue, green, black/blue, black/green, silk, and cotton ribbons available.

14. What types of paper can I use with my machine?

• You can use 24–32 lbs paper or craft paper, but avoid using extremely thick materials like cardboard unless specified by the machine manual.

15. Will you teach me how to use the typewriter?

• We offer in-store guidance and instruction as part of the purchasing process and are happy to help when purchasing a typewriter from us.

16. Do you offer instructional videos?

• Yes, we have a schedule of instructional videos coming soon, which will be available through our newsletter.

17. Where can I buy your machines?

• Our machines are available for purchase by appointment at our workshop and online on our website.

18. How do I install my ribbon?

• We provide detailed steps for ribbon installation. Check our website for instructions or use blunt tweezers for a cleaner installation.

19. How do I know the age of my machine?

• We research each machine and provide information on our website. Online typewriter enthusiast resources are also helpful for identifying age.

20. Where is the '1' key on my machine?

• The location of the '1' key varies, and some machines use the lowercase 'l' in its place.

21. Where is the exclamation point on my machine?

• Some machines may not have an exclamation point. You can create one using a period (.), backspace, and shift + 8 on your keyboard.

22. How do I open my typewriter case?

• Many cases have a release button on the clasp. If your case doesn't have a key, press the release button on either side to open it